SHORT-SPOKEN Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

short-spoken

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌspō-kən

Definition of short-spoken

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken

Adjective

The medical examiner’s office ruled the manner of death as a homicide and the cause of death to be blunt force trauma to the head at the time of the killing, according to the arrest report.

— Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
According to the blunt John Adams, the American Revolution began before the war with Britain, in the people’s minds and hearts, and Arendt situated those shifts in American town councils where citizens had debated local affairs.

— David Denby, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

However short its window, think of it as a bridge to help ease your wardrobe’s transition from warmer days to cooler ones.

— Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026
Three total solar eclipses within about two years occur because three separate Saros series happen to align over a short period.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Peach growers have expressed frustration and disappointment to The Sacramento Bee following the Del Monte bankruptcy, sharing that their businesses have taken significant hits after the abrupt cannery closure.

— Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 8 Aug. 2026
Reeve will replace interim Geoff Parkin who took over after the abrupt resignation of Nick Merriman due to family health issues in 2025.

— Amah-Rose Abrams, ARTnews.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

His gruff mechanic Cooter Davenport is introduced as a hell-raising, uncouth wild man, constantly taunting the authorities and flouting convention.

— Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Aug. 2026
Pangan remembers of Brun, imitating his gruff voice, and shaking her head.

— Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

Kloss is an outspoken advocate for reproductive rights and other progressive causes.

— Greg Beacham, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026
In a Republican primary, where candidates typically run to the right, voters may opt for the candidate that has the most outspoken track record.

— Jack Harvel August 12, Kansas City Star, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of curt

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“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-spoken

adjective

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